Nephise, a game to remind you that some people just can’t handle their drinks.
I’ll admit, after playing both Drizzlepath and Bottle, I was leery about jumping into this one.
The graphics of the environment were a pleasant surprise though.
There was, however, a certain puzzle I got stuck on and couldn’t progress forward. It wasn’t a glitch of any kind, I just didn’t know how to figure the puzzle out, despite there being hints to the specific pieces.
But…I’ve never been good at puzzles, so maybe that was all me.
- Developed by Tonguç Bodur
- Published by Tonguç Bodur
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FAQ
What is this page?
This is an in-depth critique of the game Nephise. I go all in with my review by picking apart the game, piece by piece. By doing this, I try to help not only the devs that created the games, but also future aspiring devs by giving my viewpoint on everything as an avid gamer, but please understand…
There may be spoilers.
How long does it take to beat Nephise?
30 minutes.
Are there other links regarding the game?
- Here’s our interview with the game dev
Title Screen
Background
You know, I really like the dark and gloomy cabin with the red tinge to it, and the chandelier up top, because you don’t really know what to expect when you actually start playing the game on a screen like this. It honestly looks like some horror game ready to scare the crap out of you.
It’s honestly not.
What kills the entire background are the floating lights and the big clunky object that’s in your face on the bottom right.
This isn’t a static image. The lights are moving, and having already played the game, I understand why they’re there–they’re part of the game itself, but I just don’t think they need to be in our way like this, so up close.
Title Font
The font style is very girlish–feminine, I guess–and I do like the faint white glow they have around the white to make it stand out more, but I don’t like the bits of glowing lights they threw around the name.
They’re a distraction and actually kind of make the game’s name a bit harder to read rather than an appealing effect.
Menu
The menu definitely needs a bit of an update, in my opinion, as far as the interface goes, but it seems to be like this for almost all of the Tonguc Bodur games. It just looks like an eye-sore compared to the visual beauty of the game.
You’ve got fours options to tinker around with:
- Audio
- Video
- Camera
- Game
In Audio, you can adjust the sliders for Master Volume, Music, Voice, Effect, and Interface. The last one is a little odd to have on there, but whatever, I guess.
As you can see in the screenshot of Video, there are a lot of options you can adjust within the game if things aren’t running smooth for you and need to tone things down, or if you want a better graphical outlook overall while playing.
In Camera. you can adjust the sensitivities for the Camera X and Y, as well as Invert Camera X or Y.
In Game, you can choose the language for the subtitles (or turn them off completely), add in the headbob or not when walking, as well as tells you your keybinds for everything.
Gameplay
Achievements
Only 3 of them.
Plot
Nephise is a short and atmospheric puzzle game with narration. It is a relaxing and mysterious experience especially with the help of its music.
Genre(s)
As far as the puzzles in the game–or rather, the main puzzle–it’s not a difficult one, the narrator tells you what you need to do, but if you don’t know exactly how to position the objects, you’re going to become frustrated.
Probably.
I was, and I had to stop playing the game for a long while before heading back into it. But once you figure it out: simple.
I just wish they’d put in a “click” or something when you got something correct, so it can be left alone and you can move on.
Nephise is all about taking in the environment and enjoying the sights and sounds around you, so the genre revolves around walking and less around anything else–aside from a few puzzles.
Controls
You can’t do much in this game aside from interacting with specific objects, jumping, and walking. The jumping is more for allowing you to get out of water or to help out in gaining footing on a rocky path.
I will say it was difficult to get out of the water, because you have to do it just right. Either by standing in the right spot, or by just harassing the jump button and aiming at the right area.
It’s a shame that they didn’t allow crouching in this, because I like trying to take screenshots from a somewhat lower position.
Narrative
Voice Acting
It’s an older woman with a nice voice, and there’s cursive subtitles to let you know what she’s saying. The cursive text sort of doesn’t coincide with the old lady, but that’s purely my opinion.
Er, just like all the reviews I do.
Graphics
Style
The graphics are based on realism and the lighting in specific areas are well done. I really like some of the areas I traveled into and got to take screenshots of.
Glitches
There were still some graphical glitches with textures–like the wolf’s fur when you got up close to it–it was more warped than “furry”–and rocky surfaces. I’m not sure why, but in the sets of games by Tonguc Bodur, mountainous areas seem to offer a flaw in their design.
Soundtrack
Background Music
I really like the music in this game.
I think I’ve said that with every one of these games so far, and it’s the truth, but they’ve had downfalls.
Nephise actually keeps the music going and doesn’t let me down at the last moment. This makes me happy. Not only that, but the style of the music does change depending on the environment you’ve hopped into.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Nephise satisfied me.
I got some good screenshots, managed to get past the obnoxious puzzle that had me confused beyond belief, and it had a humorous ending.
Although…I’m starting to see a trend with these games and their endings…
